Reducing Your Risk for Preterm Labor and Delivery

There are steps that you can take before you become pregnant and during your pregnancy to reduce your risk
preterm labor
and delivery.

Take Care of Your Health

Get good prenatal care. See your healthcare provider before trying to get pregnant. See your healthcare provider regularly during your pregnancy. Go to all your prenatal appointments, even if you feel fine.

Get treatment for any infections. For example, if you feel burning or pain when you urinate, tell your healthcare provider. You may have a
bladder infection.

If you take prescription drugs, ask your healthcare provider if they are safe before or during pregnancy.

If you use
herbal supplements, stop them before trying to get pregnant. Check with your healthcare provider on the safety of any supplements before using them.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Stay Active

Eat a
well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Do not skip meals.

Consider adding fish to your diet. It may reduce the risk of preterm birth.

Make Lifestyle Changes

If you
smoke,
quit. Smoking increases the risk of pregnancy complications, like
premature birth. If you quit smoking, your risk of premature birth becomes similar to that of mothers who are nonsmokers.
This is just one of the many benefits of quitting.

Avoid secondhand smoke.

Do not drink
alcohol
while you are trying to get pregnant or during pregnancy.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Physical and emotional abuse is harmful to you and your baby. If you are in an abusive relationship, seek help from your healthcare provider, family, or friends. You can also call organizations like the
National Domestic Violence Hotline
at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Learn the Signs of Preterm Labor

To reduce the risk of preterm labor progressing to preterm delivery, learn the signs of preterm labor. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs of preterm labor.

High Risk Women

Women with a history of preterm births may need to have extra care to prevent preterm labor. Your healthcare provider may recommend progesterone therapy during pregnancy or having a cerclage placed.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Abuse during pregnancy. March of Dimes website. Available at:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/stayingsafe%5Fabuse.html. Updated October 2008. Accessed April 23, 2013.

Preterm labor. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq087.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130423T0923201528. Accessed April 23, 2013.